Peter Obi Redirects Birthday Gifts to Poor, Thanks Supporters

Peter Obi

Labour Party presidential candidate and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has once again demonstrated his commitment to humility, public service, and empathy for the underprivileged as he marked his 64th birthday.

In a heartfelt message shared from Rome, Italy, on Sunday, July 20, Obi extended deep gratitude to his supporters and well-wishers for the overwhelming outpouring of goodwill and solidarity shown on his birthday, July 19. He particularly acknowledged Nigerian youths, the Obidient Movement, and members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for their show of love through acts of kindness, community service, and charity events held in his honour across Nigeria and abroad.

“I sincerely thank everyone for the outpouring of goodwill and birthday wishes I received worldwide. I remain deeply grateful to all who marked the day in one way or another,” Obi said.

True to his well-known ethos, Obi used the occasion not for lavish celebration, but as another opportunity to encourage redirecting resources toward the common good. He underscored the need for conscious leadership that prioritizes public service over personal gratification especially in a country facing deep economic challenges.

“The level of poverty and suffering in Nigeria makes celebration difficult. This is why I have once again requested that all who wish to celebrate me should channel their resources toward helping the poor or supporting our struggling health and educational institutions,” he said.

Obi reflected on past examples of redirecting personal gifts and birthday donations to community development efforts. He recounted how:

• A proposed ₦120 million house gift from a group was instead used to build classrooms in Agulu, Ekwulobia, and Abatete.

• A planned ₦20 million birthday party was transformed into the donation of 200 desktop computers for Anambra schools.

• Another celebration became the catalyst for donating buses to institutions, including the Old Rangers Association.

“This has been my consistent approach—using birthdays to champion educational advancement, support for the underprivileged, and strengthen state-serving institutions,” he explained.

Coinciding with his birthday celebration was a solemn spiritual experience in Rome. Obi visited the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs, where he offered special prayers for Nigeria and its people.

“I especially prayed for our beloved country that God may touch the hearts of our leaders, and awaken in them the realization that public funds are meant for the public good,” Obi shared.

He reaffirmed his dedication to continue supporting Nigeria through action, not just rhetoric. He pledged to remain committed to strengthening institutions that directly impact the lives of everyday citizens.

Obi ended his message on an uplifting note, urging Nigerians not to lose faith despite the nation’s current difficulties.

“May we all find strength and grace to keep striving for a more just, compassionate, and equitable society.”

Peter Obi’s actions stand as a moral compass in a nation grappling with leadership deficits, inequality, and hardship. At a time when many political figures use personal milestones for grandeur, Obi has once again chosen selflessness using his influence to promote social responsibility, inspire civic-mindedness, and shift the focus to those who need it most.

In a country yearning for visionary leadership, Obi’s quiet but powerful example reminds Nigerians that service, not status, is the true measure of leadership.

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